Kyoto

This former imperial capital of Japan blends culture and history in a serene city setting

While Tokyo enjoys a long-lasting love affair with all that is modern, Kyoto invites the visitor to slow down and absorb Japanese culture in a setting steeped in history. Ancient Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan, and the city reigned as the cultural and artistic center of the nation from 794 to 1868. Seventeen of the city’s historic sites are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Cultural sites. On the east side are such draws as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and the Kyoto National Museum. On the west side are Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and Nijo Castle.

Niko Castle on the west side of Kyoto.

In Kyoto, most buildings are no more than three stories high. This means the mountains and hills surrounding the city are always visible, adding to its caught-in-time ambiance. It’s a wonderful walking city, with a river running through its center and green hills to the east, making it almost impossible to get lost.

March through April is cherry blossom season in Kyoto and is the busiest time of the year. Book at least six months ahead, earlier if possible. During the season, people picnic under the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park, and stroll along the tree-lined banks of the Kamo-gawa River. Cherry blossom season raises the romance level in Kyoto, making it a particularly good time for honeymooners to visit.

Kyoto’s historic Gion District is a fascinating neighborhood of narrow streets lined with antiques shops and small restaurants. You can actually see real geishas and maiko (geishas in training) walking the streets in the evening, en route to private parties. It’s a great district to explore on foot, with the added attraction of being fairly close to a number of Kyoto’s major temples and shrines. Gion Corner is an entertainment venue that makes it easy to experience an assortment of traditional Japanese arts. During a single performance, the audience will see Kyoto-style dances, an exhibition of flower arranging, a tea ceremony, Japanese harp performance, a comic play and a puppet play as well as hear traditional music from the days of the Kyoto court. Performances are twice a day, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

1 2 3 4